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March 21, 2015

Five Keys to Becoming a Great Case Manager

Updated on 3/26/2017

Case managers are responsible for the coordination of
services for those who receive mental health, developmental services and other
health related services Case managers play an important role in ensuring that
people receive the health services they need and that they are happy with those
services.

I often come in contact with service providers who are
interested in becoming case managers. I people when I’m visiting my clients at
home or at work/day support programs. I try to explain to them that the job
entails so much more than just the face to face visit. I
have listed five keys that I feel make successful case managers.

1. Documentation-Documentation without question is the most important aspect of case management
and most mental health professions. The ability to write case notes, quarterly
reports, and treatment plans are critical to effective case management
services. Documentation is also important for agencies because most
documentation is also linked to billing.

2. Time Management-Time management skills are probably the second most important skills for a case
manager. Case management involves monthly and quarterly face to face visits,
documentation, meetings, and follow up phone calls on a daily basis. You have
to be able to plan ahead and develop organizational skills. With all of the
technology available, there are a number options available to set up appointments,
reminders, and meetings on a mobile device or desktop computer.

3. Customer Service-
Customer service is a key component of case management. Most of us equate
customer service to the retail profession.
However, customer services are also important to health related
services. A case manager’s primary job is to ensure that the individual in need
of services (customer) is happy with the services they receive. This may also
involve handling complaints and dealing people who may be verbally abusive. The
key is to remain calm and maintain a professional tone.

4. Multitasking-
The ability to complete multiple tasks at the same time is a critical skill for
a case manager. Handling a crisis situation, completing reports, coordinating
services, and scheduling meetings are just a small part of a case manager’s
day. The ability to prioritize responsibilities and get it done at the end of
the day is a major skill and often comes with experience.

5. Communication-
The last area is communication. Case managers are in constant communication
with clients, families, service providers and other case managers. The ability
to communicate professionally to resolve problems is critical to successful
case management. Of course this means verbal and written communication. As a case manager, you may come in contact
with clients in crisis who may be rude or use inappropriate language. It’s your
responsibility to remain calm and professional. A professional response can
help ease anxiety but an unprofessional response can make the situation worse.

Communication with supervisors and other case managers is important
for learning about new resources. There is no case manager that has all of the
answers and knows every resource. In addition, case managers have a variety of educational
backgrounds and work experience. Communication with others in the field can
increase your knowledge and provide different techniques to provide better
services.

Case managers also have to be able to communicate in order
to inform clients and families about community resources. The ability to
explain sometimes complex services and programs without too much “mental health
jargon” will help clients feel more at ease when seeking help.